Fluid pump volute diversion system, solids collection system and related methods for a washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pot and pan washing machines lack an effective mechanism for filtering out and collecting debris, such as solid and semi-solid particulate, which accumulates in the wash fluid, reducing cleaning efficiency and potentially clogging the system, requiring frequent downtime for draining and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A system that diverts a portion of the fluid displaced by the pump through a particulate separation device, where debris is separated from the fluid and returned to the wash tank, using centrifugal force to concentrate particulate at the perimeter of the pump volute, allowing for easy collection and minimizing disruption to the washing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filtration opening is added to divert fluid through a particulate separation device, then debris collection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump volute is segmented into a main flow path and a diversion passage. The diversion passage branches off from the main volute, creating a separate flow path that directs a portion of the fluid through the filtration opening into the collection container. This segmentation allows debris removal functionality to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (debris) is extracted from the main fluid flow by creating a diversion passage that separates a portion of the fluid containing particulate matter. This extracted flow is then directed through the filtration opening into the collection container, effectively removing debris from the washing system while maintaining the primary washing function.
2Loss of time
If a diversion passage and filtration opening are implemented, then system maintenance frequency is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris collection functionality is merged with the existing pump housing structure. The diversion passage is integrated into the volute, and the filtration opening is formed as part of the pump body or collection container. This merging allows the system to perform both pumping and debris collection functions without requiring entirely separate manufacturing processes for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing serves multiple functions: it contains the impeller, directs fluid flow through the volute, and simultaneously acts as part of the debris collection system through the integrated diversion passage and filtration opening. The collection container also serves dual purposes by receiving both filtered fluid and trapped debris. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled.
3Productivity
If centrifugal force is used to concentrate particulate at the perimeter, then particulate separation efficiency is improved, but pump design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump utilizes hydraulic principles by employing centrifugal force generated by the rotating impeller to separate particulate matter from the fluid. As fluid enters the volute and moves outward, centrifugal force pushes heavier particulate toward the perimeter of the volute, concentrating it in regions where the diversion passage can effectively extract it. This hydraulic separation mechanism achieves efficient particulate concentration without requiring additional mechanical separation devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the frequency of downtime for cleaning and refilling by continuously collecting debris, maintaining the wash fluid's cleaning efficiency and preventing clogging, while allowing normal operation to continue even if the collection device becomes overloaded.
Implementation Method 1
using centrifugal force to concentrate particulate at the perimeter of the pump volute
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.